2022 Volkswagen Golf R (6-Speed Manual) - POV Driving Impressions

MSRP: $44,090
MPG: 20 city / 28 highway
4MOTION AWD w/torque vectoring
XDS Cross differential system
315 hp @ 6000 rpm; 280lb-ft torque @ 3000 rpm
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Curb weight: 3,417 lbs
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Bridgestone Potenza S005 - 235/35R19 91Y
Lapiz Blue Metallic exterior - Titan Black interior

The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!

Here's the equipment I use (with affiliate links):

I'm also the producer for the Winding Road YouTube Channel:

Thanks for watching!

[billyhughes]

The only thing I don't like about this car is the removal of physical controls for almost everything -- other than that I love it.

[QueTheChaotic]

This would make an awesome daily. That cup holder is definitely unique. You REALLY know how to get these cars right to the limit to where the tires start talking to you. I'm listening to this on surround sound and your microphone setup really helps hear everything. I see the infotainment as a big annoyance but not a deal-breaker. I love the noise it makes when hitting the rev limiter. The adaptive cruise control seems good. The price is up there. It's the biggest drawback minus the infotainment system to me. Great review!

[alisonmorris]

I’ve been bouncing back and forth on whether I want to order the manual or dsg. This review has pushed me back towards the manual, I used to have a WRX and I miss the feeling of changing gears myself. I might go for manual because I want it to be fun at normal speeds and ultimate power doesn’t matter because this has plenty either way.

[komamix]

Nice to see a modern car with manual transmission

[TTGamingTrinh]

Saw one of these on the road yesterday and it completely changed my mind about mk8. Pictures and videos don’t do it justice

[Trash_Panda_Manifesto]

One of the best cars I have ever seen. This car is insane.

[poetryonplastic]

3:08- The engine cover is gone because there is a recall on GTI and R engine covers. Apparently they would come loose during "spirited driving" and become a fire hazard. Right now the recall is just to remove the cover, supposedly VW is working on designing a new one.

[startrader]

Man you put that R through it's paces, great vids as always.

[Joose]

If they ever come down in price, I may consider one... but honestly, the Mk7/7.5 R with a manual is still the sweet spot for me, when it comes to the higher end hot hatches.

[Albus_Rex]

I have a 2022 Tiguan and before I bought it I watched many reviews online. When I'd read the comments people would always bash the steering wheel (Basically the same as this Golf R) and I could never understand it. The wheel is wonderful. The haptic/capacitive buttons feel good and it's easy to slide across the volume bar to raise or lower without taking hands away from the wheel.

[benwells]

I was literally JUST wondering how the manual driving experience may differ in the R vs the DSG, and having watched your reviews covering the DSG, I can have those questions answered using you as my “control” 😁 Not the easiest trying to compare different YT reviews between models when each reviewer has their own personal preferences and background experience with driving different cars influencing their opinions.

[sunnyvalentino]

One of the quickest cars in twisty roads as it's easy to drive fast without the front washing out or rear snapping

[pascutia]

Yup, I agree with you on this car. For whatever reason, I vastly prefer this to the GTI. That shorter gearing vs. the GTI is very noticeable, and you could tell that the handling is more neutral on this one. It absolutely flies. Very much love the blue on this car.

Edit: Not only does the gearing make it more fun because there’s more shifting to be done, but it just makes it feel more responsive at all speeds. It’s worth it over the GTI for this reason. In the GTI you can tell there’s a little rev-hang, and the gearing is much longer. It’s interesting how well optimized the manual is to the Golf R, because it’s DSG only in Europe. Awesome stuff!

[najminmalcusis]

This is honestly the most underrated best hatch of 2022. 12.1 second stock. That’s Supra level performance

[bojanbojan]

Thank you for the great video. I picked up my 2024 MK8R few weeks ago. Lots of fun 6-speed. The gearing is so good!

[timothybracken]

Sport traction makes our family Tiguan is amazing. I am so impressed by it that I might get the golf R. So refined and sporty at the same time

[Gotmath]

You got a new sub. I appreciate:

*the absence of a catch phrase
*your use of clear and simple explanations
*your calmness.

Keep up the great work.

Ps - I want this car!

[abdulharoon]

Nice golf R the manual looks sick real drivers drive manual

[Sedonapass]

Hi bro, this is my dream car. May not be a Lambo or McLaren… but I work towards this daily. Thank you for this video.

[Cynthesis]

It doesn't matter how much faster the DSG is, the manual is always the go-to for driving enthusiasts. Your average manual driver will run laps around the average automatic driver in the DSG. Big skill difference.